TX – Freezing Temps – The 4 P’s
January 4, 2025
Freezing Temps Expected Sunday Evening and into Next Week
The Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is monitoring an arctic cold front that is expected to arrive in the area Sunday evening. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), there is potential for multiple nights of freezing temperatures this week.
Remember to protect the “Four P’s”: People, pets, pipes, and plants.
People:
• Keep warm, stay inside if possible.
• Check in with elderly family and neighbors to see if the need help.
Pets:
• Bring pets inside and move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas.
• Keep adequate food and water available.
Pipes:
• Protect any exposed outdoor pipes (sprinkler systems should be shut off and properly drained).
Plants:
• Bring potted plants inside or store them in a garage near the interior wall to provide extra warmth and protection from wind.
• For cold-sensitive outdoor plants, put down extra mulch and consider covering them with a cloth fabric of some kind to shield the plants from wind and frost.
Heater Safety:
Portable space heaters are often used to heat rooms and homes. If not used properly, they can cause fires, severe injuries, and death. If using a portable heater, remember these important safety tips:
• Keep heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn, including furniture, carpets, curtains, and people.
• Place heaters on solid, non-flammable surfaces.
• Never block exits with a heater and keep them out of the way of foot traffic.
• Keep children away from heaters.
• Always plug heaters directly into wall outlets – NEVER use an extension cord.
• Turn off and unplug space heaters when leaving a room or going to bed.
Protect yourself from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning by installing a battery-operated CO detector and never use generators, grills, camp stoves, or similar devices indoors.
Generator Safety:
If you use a generator, remember these important safety tips from the the County Fire Marshal’s Office.
• Use portable generators outdoors at least 15-20 feet away from all doors, windows, and vent openings to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Never use a generator in an attached garage, even with the door open.
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